Prioritized rebuilds using dispersed indices

ABSTRACT

A method of rebuilding data stored as encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) includes using a scanning module to identify a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units. The number of erroneous slices in the set of slices is also identified. A queue entry that includes the following items is generated: the slice name of the slice in error; a rebuilding task indicator; an identifier of the set of slices; and the number of slice errors. Additionally, a vault source name is generated based on the number of slice errors. The queue entry is stored in a rebuilding queue at the same or another set of DS units, using the vault source name. A rebuilding module facilitates rebuilding the slice in error.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 15/095,558, entitled “ACHIEVING STORAGE COMPLIANCE IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK”, filed Apr. 11, 2016, which claims priority to continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/088,794, entitled “ACHIEVING STORAGE COMPLIANCE IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK”, filed Nov. 25, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,311,187, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/748,891, entitled “OBFUSCATING AN ENCRYPTION KEY IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK”, filed Jan. 4, 2013, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer networks and more particularly to dispersing error encoded data.

Description of Related Art

Computing devices are known to communicate data, process data, and/or store data. Such computing devices range from wireless smart phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers (PC), work stations, and video game devices, to data centers that support millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line purchases every day. In general, a computing device includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory system, user input/output interfaces, peripheral device interfaces, and an interconnecting bus structure.

As is further known, a computer may effectively extend its CPU by using “cloud computing” to perform one or more computing functions (e.g., a service, an application, an algorithm, an arithmetic logic function, etc.) on behalf of the computer. Further, for large services, applications, and/or functions, cloud computing may be performed by multiple cloud computing resources in a distributed manner to improve the response time for completion of the service, application, and/or function. For example, Hadoop is an open source software framework that supports distributed applications enabling application execution by thousands of computers.

In addition to cloud computing, a computer may use “cloud storage” as part of its memory system. As is known, cloud storage enables a user, via its computer, to store files, applications, etc. on an Internet storage system. The Internet storage system may include a RAID (redundant array of independent disks) system and/or a dispersed storage system that uses an error correction scheme to encode data for storage.

In some cases, data may become corrupted over time, and repair or replacement of the corrupted data may be necessary to prevent degradation of the systems health. In some cases, current systems can use checksums or other error correction protocols to verify the accuracy of data, and in some cases repair the data if the number of corrupted data bits is within the limits of the error correction protocols in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a dispersed or distributed storage network (DSN) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing core in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storage error encoding of data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a generic example of an error encoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a specific example of an error encoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a slice name of an encoded data slice (EDS) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storage error decoding of data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a generic example of an error decoding function in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a dispersed storage system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of generating a rebuilding task queue entry in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of generating a rebuilding task queue entry in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a dispersed, or distributed, storage network (DSN) 10 that includes a plurality of computing devices 12-16, a managing unit 18, an integrity processing unit 20, and a DSN memory 22. The components of the DSN 10 are coupled to a network 24, which may include one or more wireless and/or wire lined communication systems; one or more non-public intranet systems and/or public internet systems; and/or one or more local area networks (LAN) and/or wide area networks (WAN).

The DSN memory 22 includes a plurality of storage units 36 that may be located at geographically different sites (e.g., one in Chicago, one in Milwaukee, etc.), at a common site, or a combination thereof. For example, if the DSN memory 22 includes eight storage units 36, each storage unit is located at a different site. As another example, if the DSN memory 22 includes eight storage units 36, all eight storage units are located at the same site. As yet another example, if the DSN memory 22 includes eight storage units 36, a first pair of storage units are at a first common site, a second pair of storage units are at a second common site, a third pair of storage units are at a third common site, and a fourth pair of storage units are at a fourth common site. Note that a DSN memory 22 may include more or less than eight storage units 36. Further note that each storage unit 36 includes a computing core (as shown in FIG. 2, or components thereof) and a plurality of memory devices for storing dispersed error encoded data.

Each of the computing devices 12-16, the managing unit 18, and the integrity processing unit 20 include a computing core 26, which includes network interfaces 30-33. Computing devices 12-16 may each be a portable computing device and/or a fixed computing device. A portable computing device may be a social networking device, a gaming device, a cell phone, a smart phone, a digital assistant, a digital music player, a digital video player, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a video game controller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computing core. A fixed computing device may be a computer (PC), a computer server, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a television set, a printer, a fax machine, home entertainment equipment, a video game console, and/or any type of home or office computing equipment. Note that each of the managing unit 18 and the integrity processing unit 20 may be separate computing devices, may be a common computing device, and/or may be integrated into one or more of the computing devices 12-16 and/or into one or more of the storage units 36.

Each interface 30, 32, and 33 includes software and hardware to support one or more communication links via the network 24 indirectly and/or directly. For example, interface 30 supports a communication link (e.g., wired, wireless, direct, via a LAN, via the network 24, etc.) between computing devices 14 and 16. As another example, interface 32 supports communication links (e.g., a wired connection, a wireless connection, a LAN connection, and/or any other type of connection to/from the network 24) between computing devices 12 and 16 and the DSN memory 22. As yet another example, interface 33 supports a communication link for each of the managing unit 18 and the integrity processing unit 20 to the network 24.

Computing devices 12 and 16 include a dispersed storage (DS) client module 34, which enables the computing device to dispersed storage error encode and decode data (e.g., data 40) as subsequently described with reference to one or more of FIGS. 3-8. In this example embodiment, computing device 16 functions as a dispersed storage processing agent for computing device 14. In this role, computing device 16 dispersed storage error encodes and decodes data on behalf of computing device 14. With the use of dispersed storage error encoding and decoding, the DSN 10 is tolerant of a significant number of storage unit failures (the number of failures is based on parameters of the dispersed storage error encoding function) without loss of data and without the need for a redundant or backup copies of the data. Further, the DSN 10 stores data for an indefinite period of time without data loss and in a secure manner (e.g., the system is very resistant to unauthorized attempts at accessing the data).

In operation, the managing unit 18 performs DS management services. For example, the managing unit 18 establishes distributed data storage parameters (e.g., vault creation, distributed storage parameters, security parameters, billing information, user profile information, etc.) for computing devices 12-14 individually or as part of a group of user devices. As a specific example, the managing unit 18 coordinates creation of a vault (e.g., a virtual memory block associated with a portion of an overall namespace of the DSN) within the DSN memory 22 for a user device, a group of devices, or for public access and establishes per vault dispersed storage (DS) error encoding parameters for a vault. The managing unit 18 facilitates storage of DS error encoding parameters for each vault by updating registry information of the DSN 10, where the registry information may be stored in the DSN memory 22, a computing device 12-16, the managing unit 18, and/or the integrity processing unit 20.

The managing unit 18 creates and stores user profile information (e.g., an access control list (ACL)) in local memory and/or within memory of the DSN memory 22. The user profile information includes authentication information, permissions, and/or the security parameters. The security parameters may include encryption/decryption scheme, one or more encryption keys, key generation scheme, and/or data encoding/decoding scheme.

The managing unit 18 creates billing information for a particular user, a user group, a vault access, public vault access, etc. For instance, the managing unit 18 tracks the number of times a user accesses a non-public vault and/or public vaults, which can be used to generate a per-access billing information. In another instance, the managing unit 18 tracks the amount of data stored and/or retrieved by a user device and/or a user group, which can be used to generate a per-data-amount billing information.

As another example, the managing unit 18 performs network operations, network administration, and/or network maintenance. Network operations includes authenticating user data allocation requests (e.g., read and/or write requests), managing creation of vaults, establishing authentication credentials for user devices, adding/deleting components (e.g., user devices, storage units, and/or computing devices with a DS client module 34) to/from the DSN 10, and/or establishing authentication credentials for the storage units 36. Network administration includes monitoring devices and/or units for failures, maintaining vault information, determining device and/or unit activation status, determining device and/or unit loading, and/or determining any other system level operation that affects the performance level of the DSN 10. Network maintenance includes facilitating replacing, upgrading, repairing, and/or expanding a device and/or unit of the DSN 10.

The integrity processing unit 20 performs rebuilding of ‘bad’ or missing encoded data slices. At a high level, the integrity processing unit 20 performs rebuilding by periodically attempting to retrieve/list encoded data slices, and/or slice names of the encoded data slices, from the DSN memory 22. For retrieved encoded slices, they are checked for errors due to data corruption, outdated version, etc. If a slice includes an error, it is flagged as a ‘bad’ slice. For encoded data slices that were not received and/or not listed, they are flagged as missing slices. Bad and/or missing slices are subsequently rebuilt using other retrieved encoded data slices that are deemed to be good slices to produce rebuilt slices. The rebuilt slices are stored in the DSN memory 22.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing core 26 that includes a processing module 50, a memory controller 52, main memory 54, a video graphics processing unit 55, an input/output (IO) controller 56, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface 58, an IO interface module 60, at least one IO device interface module 62, a read only memory (ROM) basic input output system (BIOS) 64, and one or more memory interface modules. The one or more memory interface module(s) includes one or more of a universal serial bus (USB) interface module 66, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface module 68, a network interface module 70, a flash interface module 72, a hard drive interface module 74, and a DSN interface module 76.

The DSN interface module 76 functions to mimic a conventional operating system (OS) file system interface (e.g., network file system (NFS), flash file system (FFS), disk file system (DFS), file transfer protocol (FTP), web-based distributed authoring and versioning (WebDAV), etc.) and/or a block memory interface (e.g., small computer system interface (SCSI), internet small computer system interface (iSCSI), etc.). The DSN interface module 76 and/or the network interface module 70 may function as one or more of the interface 30-33 of FIG. 1. Note that the IO device interface module 62 and/or the memory interface modules 66-76 may be collectively or individually referred to as IO ports.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storage error encoding of data. When a computing device 12 or 16 has data to store it disperse storage error encodes the data in accordance with a dispersed storage error encoding process based on dispersed storage error encoding parameters. The dispersed storage error encoding parameters include an encoding function (e.g., information dispersal algorithm, Reed-Solomon, Cauchy Reed-Solomon, systematic encoding, non-systematic encoding, on-line codes, etc.), a data segmenting protocol (e.g., data segment size, fixed, variable, etc.), and per data segment encoding values. The per data segment encoding values include a total, or pillar width, number (T) of encoded data slices per encoding of a data segment (i.e., in a set of encoded data slices); a decode threshold number (D) of encoded data slices of a set of encoded data slices that are needed to recover the data segment; a read threshold number (R) of encoded data slices to indicate a number of encoded data slices per set to be read from storage for decoding of the data segment; and/or a write threshold number (W) to indicate a number of encoded data slices per set that must be accurately stored before the encoded data segment is deemed to have been properly stored. The dispersed storage error encoding parameters may further include slicing information (e.g., the number of encoded data slices that will be created for each data segment) and/or slice security information (e.g., per encoded data slice encryption, compression, integrity checksum, etc.).

In the present example, Cauchy Reed-Solomon has been selected as the encoding function (a generic example is shown in FIG. 4 and a specific example is shown in FIG. 5); the data segmenting protocol is to divide the data object into fixed sized data segments; and the per data segment encoding values include: a pillar width of 5, a decode threshold of 3, a read threshold of 4, and a write threshold of 4. In accordance with the data segmenting protocol, the computing device 12 or 16 divides the data (e.g., a file (e.g., text, video, audio, etc.), a data object, or other data arrangement) into a plurality of fixed sized data segments (e.g., 1 through Y of a fixed size in range of Kilo-bytes to Tera-bytes or more). The number of data segments created is dependent of the size of the data and the data segmenting protocol.

The computing device 12 or 16 then disperse storage error encodes a data segment using the selected encoding function (e.g., Cauchy Reed-Solomon) to produce a set of encoded data slices. FIG. 4 illustrates a generic Cauchy Reed-Solomon encoding function, which includes an encoding matrix (EM), a data matrix (DM), and a coded matrix (CM). The size of the encoding matrix (EM) is dependent on the pillar width number (T) and the decode threshold number (D) of selected per data segment encoding values. To produce the data matrix (DM), the data segment is divided into a plurality of data blocks and the data blocks are arranged into D number of rows with Z data blocks per row. Note that Z is a function of the number of data blocks created from the data segment and the decode threshold number (D). The coded matrix is produced by matrix multiplying the data matrix by the encoding matrix.

FIG. 5 illustrates a specific example of Cauchy Reed-Solomon encoding with a pillar number (T) of five and decode threshold number of three. In this example, a first data segment is divided into twelve data blocks (D1-D12). The coded matrix includes five rows of coded data blocks, where the first row of X11-X14 corresponds to a first encoded data slice (EDS 1_1), the second row of X21-X24 corresponds to a second encoded data slice (EDS 2_1), the third row of X31-X34 corresponds to a third encoded data slice (EDS 3_1), the fourth row of X41-X44 corresponds to a fourth encoded data slice (EDS 4_1), and the fifth row of X51-X54 corresponds to a fifth encoded data slice (EDS 5_1). Note that the second number of the EDS designation corresponds to the data segment number.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 3, the computing device also creates a slice name (SN) for each encoded data slice (EDS) in the set of encoded data slices. A typical format for a slice name 80 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the slice name (SN) 80 includes a pillar number of the encoded data slice (e.g., one of 1−T), a data segment number (e.g., one of 1−Y), a vault identifier (ID), a data object identifier (ID), and may further include revision level information of the encoded data slices. The slice name functions as, at least part of, a DSN address for the encoded data slice for storage and retrieval from the DSN memory 22.

As a result of encoding, the computing device 12 or 16 produces a plurality of sets of encoded data slices, which are provided with their respective slice names to the storage units for storage. As shown, the first set of encoded data slices includes EDS 1_1 through EDS 5_1 and the first set of slice names includes SN 1_1 through SN 5_1 and the last set of encoded data slices includes EDS 1_Y through EDS 5_Y and the last set of slice names includes SN 1_Y through SN 5_Y.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an example of dispersed storage error decoding of a data object that was dispersed storage error encoded and stored in the example of FIG. 4. In this example, the computing device 12 or 16 retrieves from the storage units at least the decode threshold number of encoded data slices per data segment. As a specific example, the computing device retrieves a read threshold number of encoded data slices. To recover a data segment from a decode threshold number of encoded data slices, the computing device uses a decoding function as shown in FIG. 8. As shown, the decoding function is essentially an inverse of the encoding function of FIG. 4. The coded matrix includes a decode threshold number of rows (e.g., three in this example) and the decoding matrix in an inversion of the encoding matrix that includes the corresponding rows of the coded matrix. For example, if the coded matrix includes rows 1, 2, and 4, the encoding matrix is reduced to rows 1, 2, and 4, and then inverted to produce the decoding matrix.

Referring next to FIGS. 9 through 11, various examples of prioritized rebuilding will be discussed. In some embodiments, during rebuild list scanning, a set of rebuild participants determine the health of data sources in a distributed storage network (DSN). Health is, in at least some embodiments, related to how many slices are extant for a given data source in a given vault.

The fewer slices that exist, the less healthy that corresponding piece of data is. In various embodiments, dispersed indices may be used to coordinate the rebuilding priority for rebuilding as follows: When a rebuild scanning agent determines a source is missing at least one slice, it stores the slice name into a dispersed index. The name of the entry in the dispersed index is such that it contains the number of missing slices, followed by the source name. By traversing the entries in the list in reverse lexicographical order, the entries having the greatest number of missing slices will be traversed first.

Rebuild agents with spare/sufficient time and resources to rebuild one or more pieces of data, can begin by processing entries with the greatest number of missing slices first. If a new higher priority entry is added to the index, then rebuild agents will jump to process that entries when they finish their current rebuild task. After any source is rebuilt, the rebuild agent removes the corresponding entry from the index. When the index is empty, it means there are no known data sources that need to be rebuilt.

The statistics on how many entries are in the rebuilding index may also be displayed on a per vault basis, to provide feedback regarding the relative health of sources in the system (as well as the total amount of data if the data source size information).

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a dispersed storage system that includes one or more dispersed storage (DS) unit sets 556 and 424, a scanning module 558, and a rebuilding module 560. Each DS unit set 556 and 424 includes a set of DS units 426. In a first embodiment, as illustrated, the one or more DS unit sets 556 and 424 are implemented as two separate sets of DS units 426. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the one or more DS unit sets are implemented as a common DS unit set (e.g., DS unit set 424). The scanning module 558 and rebuilding module 560 may be implemented utilizing one or more of a user device, a server, a processing module, a computer, a DS processing unit, a DS processing module, a DS unit, a distributed storage and task (DST) processing unit (e.g. DSN memory 22, integrity processing unit 20, or managing unit 18), a DST processing module, a DST client module, and a DST execution unit. In general, DST execution units are operable to store dispersed error encoded data and/or to execute, in a distributed manner, one or more tasks on data.

For example, the scanning module 558 is implemented in a first DST execution unit and the rebuilding module 560 is implemented in a second DST execution unit. As another example, the scanning module 558 and the rebuilding module 560 are implemented utilizing a common DST execution unit.

The system functions to detect one or more stored slices in error (e.g., missing and/or corrupted slices that should be stored in one or more DS units of a first DS unit set 556) and to remedy (e.g., rebuild) the one or more stored slices in error. The scanning module 558 functions to detect the one or more stored slices in error and the rebuilding module 560 functions to remedy the one or more stored slices in error. The scanning module 558 communicates identities of the one or more stored slices in error to the rebuilding module 560 by utilizing entries of one or more dispersed queues stored in the second DS unit set 424.

In an example of operation, the scanning module 558 detects the one or more stored slices in error and updates the dispersed queue with an entry pertaining to at least one stored slice in error. The scanning module 558 functions to detect the one or more stored slices in error through a series of steps. A first step includes generating a set of list slice requests 562 that include a range of slice names to be scanned associated with the first DS unit set 556. A second step includes outputting the set of list slice requests 562 to the first DS unit set 556. A third step includes comparing list slice responses 564 from the first DS unit set 556 to identify one or more slice names associated with the one or more stored slices in error. For example, the scanning module 558 identifies a slice name that is not listed in a list slice response 564 from a DS unit 426 of the DS unit set 556 when slice names of a set of slice names that are associated with the slice name are received via other list slice responses 564 from other DS units 426 of the DS unit set 556.

Having identified the one or more stored slices in error, the scanning module 558 updates the one or more dispersed queues by sending write queue entry requests 566 to the second DS unit set 424 through a series of steps. A first step includes determining a number of slice errors per set of encoded data slices that includes the slice error. A second step includes generating a queue entry that includes one or more of the slice name, the number of slice errors, a rebuilding task indicator, and identity of the set of slice names that are associated with the slice name (e.g., a source name). A third step includes identifying a dispersed queue of the one or more dispersed queues based on the number of slice errors. A fourth step includes storing the queue entry in the identified dispersed queue associated with the second DS unit set 424. The storing includes encoding the queue entry to produce a set of entry slices, identifying a rebuilding dispersed queue, generating a set of entry slice names for the queue entry, generating a set of write slice requests that includes the set of entry slices and the set of entry slice names, and outputting the set of write slice requests to the second DS unit set 424.

With the queue entry in place, the rebuilding module 560 remedies the one or more stored slices in error through a series of steps. A first step includes retrieving a queue entry from a dispersed queue of the one or more dispersed queues where the dispersed queue is associated with a highest number of slice errors. The retrieving includes outputting a set of queue entry requests 568 to the second DS unit set 424 that includes a set of list requests associated with a slice name range of a highest priority queue entry (e.g., oldest), receiving a set of queue entry responses that includes a set of list responses, identifying a set of slice names associated with the queue entry (e.g., lowest slice names of a range of slice names associated with a first in first out (FIFO) approach), generating and outputting a set of delete read slice requests that includes the set of slice names to the second DS unit set 424, receiving at least a decode threshold number of queue entry responses 570 that includes entry slices, and decoding the at least a decode threshold number of entry slices to reproduce the queue entry.

A second step to remedy the one or more stored slices in error includes extracting the slice name of the slice in error from the queue entry. A third step includes facilitating rebuilding of the slice in error (e.g., directly rebuilding, issuing a rebuilding request to another rebuilding module). When directly rebuilding, the rebuilding module 560 outputs, to the first DS unit set 556, at least a decode threshold number of read slice requests 572 that includes slice names associated with the slice in error, receives at least a decode threshold number of read slice responses 574 that includes slices associated with the slice in error, decodes the slices associated with the slice in error to produce a recovered data segment, and encodes the recovered data segment to produce a rebuilt slice. A fourth step includes generating and outputting, to the first DS unit set 556, a write slice request 576 that includes the slice name of the slice in error and the rebuilt slice. A fifth step includes receiving a write slice response 578 that includes status of writing the rebuilt slice (e.g., succeeded/failed).

When the status of writing the rebuilt slice is favorable (e.g., succeeded), the rebuilding module 560 generates and outputs, to the second DS unit set 424, a set of queue entry requests 568 that includes a set of commit requests associated with the delete read requests previously output to the second DS unit set 424 with regards to retrieving the queue entry. Such a set of requests completes deletion of the queue entry to remove the queue entry from the dispersed queue since the slice in error has been successfully rebuilt.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of generating a rebuilding task queue entry. The method begins at step 580 where a processing module (e.g., of scanning module) identifies a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units. The identifying includes generating and outputting, to the set of DS units, a set of list slice requests to include a slice name range to be scanned for errors, receiving list slice responses, and identifying the slice name of the slice in error based on a comparison of list slice responses. The method continues at step 582 where the processing module identifies a number of slice errors of the set of slices (e.g., counting).

The method continues at step 584 where the processing module generates a queue entry that includes the slice name of the slice in error, a rebuilding task indicator (e.g., a rebuilding opcode), identity of the set of slices (e.g., the source name of the common set of slices), and the number of slice errors. A queue can be, in some embodiments, a separate queue used for each corresponding number of slice errors. In other embodiments, a single queue, list, index, or other data structure can be used, where the data structure is sorted based upon the number of slice errors in a corresponding entry.

The method continues at step 586 where the processing module identifies a rebuilding dispersed queue based on the number of slice errors. The identifying may include one or more of a lookup (e.g., a queue list by number of slice errors), a query, and receiving. The method continues at step 588 where the processing module facilitates storing the queue entry in the identified rebuilding queue in another set of DS units. Alternatively, the processing module facilitates storage of the queue entry in the identified rebuilding queue in the set of DS units.

The facilitating storage of the queue entry in the identified rebuilding queue includes a series of steps. A first step includes generating a set of queue entry slice names based on one or more of a queue vault identifier, a queue name associated with the identified rebuilding queue, a DS processing module identifier associated with the processing module, a client identifier based on a vault lookup, and a current timestamp. A second step includes encoding the queue entry using a dispersed storage error coding function to produce a set of queue entry slices. A third step includes generating a set of write slice requests that includes the set of queue entry slices and the set of queue entry slice names. A fourth step includes outputting the set of write slice requests to the other set of DS units when utilizing the other set of DS units for storage of the queue entry.

In addition, a rebuilding module may remove a queue entry from a queue associated with a highest number of missing slices first to facilitate rebuilding of the slice in error. When completing rebuilding of the slice in error, the rebuilding module facilitates deletion of the queue entry from the queue.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of generating a rebuilding task queue entry, that includes similar steps to FIG. 10. The method begins with steps 580, 582, and 584 of FIG. 10 where a processing module (e.g., of a scanning module) identifies a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units, identifies a number of slice errors of the set of slices, and generates a queue entry that includes the slice name of the slice in error, a rebuilding task indicator, identity of the set of slices, and the number of slice errors.

The method continues at step 590 where the processing module generates a vault source name based on the number of slice errors. The generating includes at least one of a queue vault identifier (ID), a queue name to include the number of slice errors, a DS processing module ID, a client ID, and a timestamp of a current real-time. The method continues at step 592 where the processing module facilitates storing the queue entry in another set of DS units using the vault source name. The facilitating includes generating a set of slice names using the vault source name, encoding the queue entry to produce a set of queue entry slices, generating a set of write slice requests that includes the set of queue entry slices and the set of slice names, and outputting the set of write slice requests to the other set of DS units. In addition, a rebuilding module may remove the queue entry that is associated with a highest number of slices in error by generating a vault source name with a higher order queue name.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been used interchangeably to describe digital information whose content corresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video, speech, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as ‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As may be used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processing circuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue” indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/or between elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein may be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-ended or differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path. Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particular architectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise be implemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, direct connectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between other elements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of the embodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device such as a processor or other processing device or other hardware that may include or operate in association with a memory that stores operational instructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunction with software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes one or more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memory device, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within a memory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. The memory device may be in a form a solid state memory, a hard drive memory, cloud memory, thumb drive, server memory, computing device memory, and/or other physical medium for storing digital information.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of the one or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. The present disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these other combinations. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of rebuilding data stored as encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN), the method comprising: identifying, by a scanning module implemented by a processing device, a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units; identifying, by the scanning module, a number of slice errors of the set of slices, wherein the number of slice errors indicates how many slices in the set of slices are in error; generating, by the scanning module, a queue entry including information associated with a slice in error, the information associated with the slice in error including the slice name of the slice in error, a rebuilding task indicator, an identifier of the set of slices, and the number of slice errors; generating, by the scanning module, a vault source name based on the number of slice errors; transmitting, by the scanning module, a write queue entry request to a set of DS units, the write queue entry request indicating that the queue entry is to be stored in a rebuilding queue by the set of DS units using the vault source name; identifying, by a rebuilding module, the slice in error based on the queue entry in the rebuilding queue; and rebuilding the slice in error using a rebuilding module.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a set of slice names using the vault source name.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: encoding the queue entry to produce a set of queue entry slices.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: generating a set of write slice requests that includes the set of queue entry slices and the set of slice names.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: outputting the set of write slice requests to another set of DS units.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a queue name associated with the rebuilding queue.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: operating on the queue entry in response to determining that the queue entry is associated with a highest number of slices in error.
 8. A dispersed storage network (DSN) comprising: a scanning module implemented by a processing device, the scanning module configured to: identify a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units; identify a number of slice errors of the set of slices, wherein the number of slice errors indicates how many slices in the set of slices are in error; generate a queue entry including information associated with a slice in error, the information associated with the slice in error including: the slice name of the slice in error; a rebuilding task indicator; an identifier of the set of slices; the number of slice errors; generate a vault source name based on the number of slice errors; transmit a write queue entry request to a set of DS units, the write queue entry request indicating that the queue entry is to be stored in a rebuilding queue belonging to a set of DS units, the rebuilding queue associated with the vault source name; a rebuilding module configured to: rebuild the slice in error based on the queue entry in the rebuilding queue; and removing remove the queue entry from the rebuilding queue.
 9. The DSN of claim 8, wherein the scanning module is further configured to: generate a set of slice names using the vault source name.
 10. The DSN of claim 9, wherein the scanning module is further configured to: encode the queue entry to produce a set of queue entry slices.
 11. The DSN of claim 10, wherein the scanning module is further configured to: generate a set of write slice requests that includes the set of queue entry slices and the set of slice names.
 12. The DSN of claim 11, wherein the scanning module is further configured to: output the set of write slice requests to another set of DS units.
 13. The DSN of claim 8, wherein the scanning module is further configured to: generate a queue name associated with the rebuilding queue.
 14. The DSN of claim 8, wherein the rebuilding module is further configured to: operate on the queue entry in response to determining that the queue entry is associated with a highest number of slices in error.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions configured to be stored in memory and executed by a processor, the program of instructions comprising: at least one instruction configured to identify a slice name of a slice in error of a set of slices stored in a set of dispersed storage (DS) units; at least one instruction configured to identify a number of slice errors of the set of slices, wherein the number of slice errors indicates how many slices in the set of slices are in error; at least one instruction configured to generate a queue entry including information associated with a slice in error, the information associated with the slice in error including the slice name of the slice in error, a rebuilding task indicator, an identifier of the set of slices, and the number of slice errors; at least one instruction configured to generate a vault source name based on the number of slice errors; at least one instruction configured to transmit a write queue entry request to a set of DS units, the write queue entry request indicating that the queue entry is to be stored in a rebuilding queue by the set of DS units using the vault source name; at least one instruction configured to identify the slice in error based on the queue entry in the rebuilding queue; and at least one instruction configured to rebuild the slice in error.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising: at least one instruction configured to generate a set of slice names using the vault source name.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, further comprising: at least one instruction configured to encode the queue entry to produce a set of queue entry slices.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, further comprising: at least one instruction configured to generate a set of write slice requests that includes the set of queue entry slices and the set of slice names.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, further comprising: at least one instruction configured to output the set of write slice requests to another set of DS units.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising: at least one instruction configured to operate on the queue entry in response to determining that the queue entry is associated with a highest number of slices in error. 